A Guide to ADA Accessible Activities in Torrance

An inclusive community, Torrance has taken steps to make several of its most popular spots ADA-compliant and open to everyone.

Whether you use a wheelchair, are visually impaired, have hearing sensitivities, or are navigating cognitive disabilities, Torrance offers a range of accessible experiences to explore.

From the beach to its hotels and beyond this is your guide to all things accessible in Torrance.

Accessibility at Torrance Beach

Torrance Beach is a pristine, uncrowded Southern California beach, offering 1.5 miles of accessible shoreline to enjoy. It’s one of the most accessible friendly beaches in the Los Angeles area.

Accessibility amenities at Torrance Beach include:

• Access Mat
• ADA Parking
• ADA Restrooms
• Beach Wheelchair
• Ramps to Beach

There are also wheelchair ramps over the sand, ADA parking spots, and semiannual permanent access mats available at Torrance Beach.

In addition to mobility-friendly features, signage at the beach is clear and easy to read, and restrooms are designed to accommodate a range of needs.

Everyone has the right to enjoy the California coast. The City of Torrance, with the help of organizations like the California Coastal Commission, are dedicated to making Torrance Beach as accessible as possible.

Beach Mats

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors provides access mats at Torrance Beach. The first of its kind in LA County’s South Bay beaches, these mats are made from a durable synthetic nylon mesh that creates a stable, slip-resistant pathway for individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to easily navigate the sand, and reach the water.

No special equipment is needed to use the mats.

The main mat creates a 100-foot-long, six-foot-wide path from the parking lot to the ocean. It starts at the foot of the Torrance Beach parking lot’s access ramp, near the L.A. County Lifeguard station.

At the end of the 100-foot path, the mat splits off with 50 foot segments running both north and south along the water’s edge, creating a T shape.

Beach Wheelchairs

Beach Wheelchairs are equipped with large, wide wheels and can roll across the sand without sinking.

Free-use beach wheelchairs are available at Torrance Beach on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon arrival to the beach, visit the nearest open lifeguard tower, or Torrance lifeguard headquarters, to request one.

(Lifeguards are always happy to help. If you happen to catch them while they’re out on patrol or a call, they’ll be back soon!)

Beach Emergency Evacuation System

Torrance Beach is piloting the Beach Emergency Evacuation Lights System (BEELS)—an alert system designed to help everyone, including people who are deaf or hard of hearing, evacuate the beach safely, if needed.

BEELS uses flashing white lights, loud sirens, and audio alerts in English and Spanish. Light patterns vary depending on the type of emergency.

• Slow light patterns are for water-only evacuations
• Fast light patterns for full beach evacuations

The system is tested occasionally, with clear signage posted in advance. Test messages use a different light sequence to avoid confusion for those relying on visual cues.

Other Places to Find Outdoor Fun

The Strand Beach Bike Path

The Strand Beach Bike Path is a fully-paved bike path that runs along the Southern California coast for 22 miles, from Torrance Beach all the way up to Will Rogers State Beach in Malibu. There are many opportunities to stop for a rest or a snack, including restaurants, shopping and more activities.

Wilson Park Annenberg Tree House

Wilson Park Annenberg Tree House is the first universally accessible tree house in a public space in California. This large 2,500-square-foot wooden structure is designed to give adults and children of all abilities a uniquely fun experience and a beautiful view.

Wilson Park, where the tree house is located, also includes a 3,000-square-foot water playground with a user-controlled computerized system that’s open from April to October.

Be sure to check their calendar as there are many events to enjoy during their Torrance Summer Nights.

Victor E. Benstead Plunge Aquatics

Water is sometimes the most freeing playground, and the facilities at the Victor E. Benstead Plunge in Torrance is fun for everyone. Known locally as “The Plunge,” this is a Olympic sized 50 x 20 meter outdoor pool, open year round and heated to about 80° to 81°.

The Plunge has swim sessions and the pool is adaptive friendly. Accessibility features include:

• ADA-compliant pool lift
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Wheelchair-accessible parking

Indoor Accessible Activities

From art museums and collections of Southern California aviation heritage to sporting events and one of the largest malls in America, Torrance isn’t just a place to beach.

The Torrance Cultural Arts Center provides assistive listening devices, accessible seating, and ADA-compliant restrooms for performances and events. The Torrance Art Museum offer accessible entrances. VEFA Gallery provides subtitles for their film screenings. These are just a few examples.

Most businesses, events, and indoor attractions throughout the city strive to follow ADA regulations, making them comfortable and inclusive places to explore.

Accessible Transportation in Torrance

Available to all those who are ADA-eligible, Torrance Transit offers three paratransit programs.

• Access Services
• Torrance Community Transit Program (TCTP)
• Connect Torrance

Access Services

Access Services provides curb-to-curb transport within a ¾-mile radius of any fixed-route bus stop or Metro Rail Station through Los Angeles County, including around Torrance.

Access Services operations hours for Torrance are:

• Monday-Friday: 4:30am – 12:00am
• Saturday: 5:00am – 11:00pm
• Sunday: 5:30am – 10:00pm

For more info on fares and eligibility visit the Access Services website.

Torrance Community Transit Program

The Torrance Community Transit Program is a special service for residents of the City of Torrance that includes both Senior and Dial-a-Taxi transit programs. It’s free to sign up and it allows participants to purchase credits for taxi rides at a discounted rate.

There are no boundaries in terms of where you can travel.

If a trip begins or ends outside Torrance, we recommend asking the taxi company in advance to verify they will honor swipe card payment for the trip.

For more info on rates and eligibility visit the TCTP website.

Connect Torrance

Connect Torrance is an affordable, on-demand ride share network that serves Torrance Community Transit Program participants (residents 65+ or those with disabilities). The service provides rides anywhere in Torrance. People use an app to hail a ride (just like with Uber or Lyft) at a discounted rate, with wheelchair accessible vehicles available.

Book same-day through the app or call 424-688-9251 to reserve a ride one day in advance.

For more info on rates, coverage routes, and to download the app visit the Connect Torrance website.

ADA-Compliant Hotels in Torrance

You’ll find that all hotels in Torrance have made efforts to be ADA-compliant.

Many hotels provide roll-in showers, accessible entrances, visual alarms, wheelchair-friendly layouts, and more.

Travel blogger Lily Yu, who regularly shares insights from a Deaf perspective, recently visited Torrance and highlighted her enjoyable stay at the local Residence Inn, pointing out how accessible features added ease and comfort to her trip.

Whether you’re visiting for business or a beach getaway, these hotels are designed to offer ease and accessibility for all guests.

For example, the Torrance Marriott provides:

• Accessible parking
• Accessible pool
• Accessible meeting spaces
• Adjustable hand-held shower wand
• Bathtub grab rails
• Roll-in shower
• Closed Caption TV
• Self-closing doors
• Ability to lower bed height
• Hearing accessible rooms and kits
• TTY/TTD compatible
• Additional accessibility options

Be sure to check each hotel’s accessibility details when booking, as features may vary by room.

Keeping Torrance Accessible

Torrance prides itself on being a very accessible city.

In recent years, the City performed an overhaul of its wayfinding signage to help vistors navigate Torrance. This clear, consistent signage supports independence for travelers and contributes to a more intuitive, accessible experience.

Torrance also offers plenty of accessible features like handicapped parking, ramps, lowered elevator buttons, and more throughout its restaurants, shops, and attractions. For the best experience, we recommend checking with each business ahead of time for the latest accessibility details.

Overall, Torrance is committed to accessibility and continues to adopt procedures to improve ADA compliance throughout the city.

Discover the Ease of Staying in Torrance

Torrance has so much to offer–and it’s all easy to enjoy.

You’ll find thoughtful ADA-friendly features throughout, from mobility aids like ramps and accessible restrooms to sensory considerations and inclusive customer service in restaurants, shops, and cultural spots.

Torrance’s hotels are no exception.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape or a longer stay, you’ll find welcoming spaces tailored to a variety of mobility and sensory needs.

And don’t forget the city’s beautiful, accessible beach and other inclusive experiences—it’s all here and open to everyone.

Start planning your trip to Torrance today!